She had known it was a bad idea. It was confirmed to be an absolutely awful idea when all hell broke loose at the Ministry and they made their quick getaway, the reason why her fingers still felt like they were covered in the blood of Ron Weasley's as a direct result of getting splinched.
Harry had calmly put up the wards of protection, and made a start on putting up the tent while Hermione tended to Ron, securing his arm in a makeshift sling once she had used a few drops of the dittany on his wounds.
"We'll just rest here for a bit." She said softly, walking over to Harry.
"Where are we?" He asked.
"I don't know... I just knew we couldn't stay at Grimmauld Place if Yaxley found out..." Hermione admitted solemnly.
"We need to find out how to destroy this." He stopped midway through putting up the tent to reach into his pocket for the locket.
"We'll try a few spells tomorrow... but today has been awful and I have a headache." She smiled softly.
Harry finished with the tent and pulled her in for a hug. "You're amazing, Hermione." He told her.
Hermione closed her eyes and wrapped her arms tightly around him. It was a rare moment he actually hugged first, and she had learned quickly to cherish it, because he only did this with her. For once she actually listened to him. "How so?" She asked softly.
"You always have been. If it weren't for you, I'd have been dead long ago. I-we need you." Harry said gently. "And I know you don't always believe it, but Hermione you're brilliant."
Hermione smiled softly, her eyes filling with tears beneath her closed lids. "Thank you." She whispered.
Ron had silently walked over, listening and scowling at the two. He still had no idea why he felt like this toward them. The past few days hadn't given him much time with his thoughts.
Harry noticed him out of the corner of his eye and broke contact with Hermione, who looked up to find out why he let her go, and she stepped away, giving Ron a smile.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
Ron nodded. "Yeah. Is the tent ready yet?"
"Yeah..." Harry nodded and the three of them entered the tent as the skies grew darker.
Ron collapsed on his bunk, while Harry sat on his and Hermione sat at a table reading a book.
The evening passed in tense silence until snoring could be heard from Ron.
Harry made his way over to Hermione and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Find anything interesting?"
Hermione shook her head. "No..." she sighed softly. "Nothing we don't already know."
"We need to find out when we can be on the move." Harry said and shook his head as she opened her mouth to say something. "We can stay a few days while he recovers but we have to stay on the move. It won't be long until we're found. A passing Death Eater could hear part of a conversation and breach the wards through plain curiosity."
Hermione closed her mouth and thought for a moment, knowing he was right. "I know... you're right. I'll do what I can to speed up recovery but don't expect a miracle."
"I know you'll do your best." Harry smiled and sat beside her. "I meant what I said. Every single time I said you were great, every time I thanked you for being there."
Hermione's cheeks turned pink, taking Harry's breath away under the dim lights. "Thank you Harry." She spoke softly. "And every time I said about you too, I meant it." She spoke and leaned toward him, wrapping her arms around him.
The two sat in companionable silence for a moment until Harry felt her weight turn heavier against him. "We should get some sleep."
Hermione nodded and closed her book, arching her back a little to stretch out any little kinks in her back.
Harry quickly averted his gaze as her action pushed her chest up to his eyeline and it was all he could do to stop himself staring. He stood, clearing his throat and helped her to her feet, making sure he looked at her face and not to where his mind wanted to wander.
She hugged him, whispered goodnight and kissed him on the cheek before making her way through a flap to her own bunk to get herself ready for bed, while Harry tried and failed to stop thinking about Hermione Granger and what exactly was underneath her clothes.
